As Time Goes By
Over thirty-two years ago I witnessed something both awesome and humbling: my first son came into this world. I smiled a huge smile, thanked my wife and my Lord, and assumed the mantle of fatherhood. There was no way I could have known the challenges and joys that were in front of me. It is probably a good thing. It has been a great ride. We have fished together and cut grass together. We have laughed a lot and cried a good bit too. I have rejoiced with him and grieved with him.
This thirty-two and one-half year journey together has been a father’s delight. I have seen him learn what is important and give his life to what matters. I have watched him walk the few hundred feet alone to Miss Lizzie’s house and left him standing alone to face life and learn to seek the face of God.
There are no guarantees when your child enters the world; no promises of longevity or assurance of a life lived well. There is just the knowledge that if your child will follow Christ and count for Him, it will be by God’s precious grace. I have witnessed that grace in the life of a son. It is a precious gift.
If The Lord wills, in a few days, thirty-two and one-half years after that awesome and humbling event, I will witness yet another. My son will vow to God and his bride to be a faithful husband. It has been my prayer for some time now that God would prepare him for such a day. I trust that He has done just that. By God’s grace, his mother and I have been a part of God’s work.
Sunday my son left our home for the last time as a single man. When he returns he will be a husband and leader of his own home, the forerunner of a new generation to follow Christ. May God give us more men who will “dare to be a Daniel”, and Daniel may you and your bride be a Gospel light to the next generation to the glory of God.
“Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Charles Cavanaugh
Praise the Lord! Thankful for what the Lord has done in your lives. Thank you brother for these awesome words. Wish we could be at the wedding. I know it will be a blessed event. I told my kids about where Miss Lizzie lived how sweet she was. Wonderful memories.
What an exciting time! Wish we could be there too. God has been so good to Daniel, and to your family. Can’t believe it’s time for the little boy that I kept for you on Thursday nights (my first babysitting job) is getting married! So excited for you, Daniel! What a wonderful blessing for her, to marry into the Cavanaugh family. To have Mrs. Pam for a mother in law, can’t beat that!
Good article. Very touching.
Think of this, Charles, when we were in seminary together, we were younger than Daniel. Time does go by … and so fast!
Linda and I rejoice with you and Pam over Daniel’s marriage, and for God’s grace in the lives of both of your sons.
Charles–that is a touching article and a wonderful picture. You must be grateful for your fine sons. God bless you. It’s encouraging to follow your consistent faithfulness for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.